A board report is a document that is submitted to the top management of a company or organization to be reviewed and approved. These reports can contain information on everything from financial information and key performance indicators, to future strategies and forecasts. A well-crafted board report can empower informed decision-making and help in ensuring effective supervision. It also assists the business in meeting its goals and targets. To write a great board of directors ‘ report, you need to gather and analyze the data with care and then communicate and present it clearly. A poor board report could damage the image of a company and negatively impact its performance.
When you are preparing a report for the board it is crucial to think about the board members who will be reading the report. Board directors are typically busy and have other obligations that take up their time. Set yourself deadlines that will allow you to finish your report prior to the time you set so that the board members have time to read and understand it.
Board reports must include visual elements to entice board directors and make report easier to comprehend. A pie chart can be used to quickly convey the company’s share of the market in relation to its competitors and a scatter graph can show the relationship between various metrics.
A table of contents aids board members to find the information they need, and helps them keep on top of the content of the report in general. Appendices should be clearly identified when they are included in the report. It’s also important to follow guidelines for formatting and use consistent font sizes and styles.
